Clinical Research Directory

Venous Thromboembolism in Hematologic Malignancy and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients: a Retrospective Study

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the second leading cause of death in patients with cancer, after disease progression. VTE is increasingly recognized as a complication in patients with hematologic malignancies and various studies have reported high rates of VTE. Critically ill patients are at high risk of VTE and should all receive thromboprophylaxis. Given the increasing number of patients with HM (hematologic malignancies) / HCT (Hematopoietic cell transplantation) who develop critical illness, and their often prolonged course, it is imperative to understand the incidence and risk factors for VTE, and to evaluate the efficacy and risks associated with both chemical and mechanical thromboprophylaxis Therefore, the investigators plan to evaluate retrospectively the VTE / PE (pulmonary embolism) incidence in HM /HCT patients at the University of Toronto, and the complications associated with it (including death). In addition, the investigators want to evaluate the use, type (mechanical or pharmacological) and timing of thromboprophylaxis. And lastly, the investigators will determine the incidence of bleeding and of complications associated with chemical and mechanical thromboprophylaxis. The investigators will describe the change in VTE incidence over the last 10 years. The investigators know that patients with COVID-19 infection are at higher risk of thrombosis than non-COVID patients. As such, HM/HCT COVID-19 pts will comprise a subgroup, which will be compared with patients who are not not positive for COVID-19. If these numbers are low, COVID-19 status will be included as a predictive variable in our modelling. The results of this research program will help define indications and safety of VTE prophylaxis; and will inform the development of clinical practice guidelines.

Efficacy of Prophylactic Epinephrine Solution Injection in Prevention of Delayed Post-sphincterotomy

Bleeding is the most frequently reported serious complication of endoscopic sphincterotomy, and severe bleeding has occurred in about 1% to 2% of patients. Endoscopic injection of epinephrine is the most commonly used, effective, and least expensive method for the management of post- sphincterotomy bleeding. However, the efficacy of prophylactic saline-epinephrine solution injection to prevent delayed EST bleeding when transient bleeding During ERCP has not been established.